Who's the devil ?

38

Joong Ki paced back and forth in the expansive office, his tone measured yet firm as he addressed Taehyung and Sung Ryung. His words carried the weight of responsibility and the pragmatism of a seasoned businessman.

"I understand you are the legal owner of the company, Taehyung, but the Jeons have undeniably contributed to its success," 

he began, his gaze shifting between the two of them. 

"Our lawyers will arrange a meeting  with you and Jungkook at first to discuss further decisions. Mrs. Jeon still holds 32% of the total profits, and Jungkook retains his position within the board."

Joong Ki's voice remained steady, his thoughts already focused on the practicalities of the situation. He continued, his expression serious. 

"You also have a meeting with the board of directors, and that, too, requires your attention. We have a lot of work ahead, Taehyung. Rebuilding the company's stability and maintaining its reputation will be crucial in the coming days."

As the weight of the responsibility settled heavily on Taehyung's shoulders, his eyes reflected a mix of fear and uncertainty.

"I... I don't know if I can do this," he admitted, his voice tinged with apprehension. 

The magnitude of leading a company of such stature was daunting, and the pressure seemed almost suffocating.

However, Sung Ryung, standing beside him, offered a reassuring smile. 

"You won't be alone, Taehyung. I'll be here to help you every step of the way," she said, her voice steady and supportive. 

Her presence provided him with a glimmer of hope, a reminder that he didn't have to face the challenges ahead in isolation.

Joong Ki, sensing their trepidation, chimed in with pragmatic advice. 

"Both of you don't have extensive experience in the business world, but it's crucial to maintain good terms with Jungkook," he emphasized. 

"His knowledge and insights could prove invaluable during this transition period. Establishing a working relationship with him will be key to ensuring a smooth transition and preserving the stability of the company."

Sung Ryung's expression hardened, her resolve evident in her eyes as she firmly shook her head. "No, Taehyung. You need to stay away from Jungkook. He's our enemy now," she said, her voice resolute. 

Taehyung's gaze fell to the floor, a mixture of sadness and resignation clouding his eyes. The reality of the situation weighed on him.

Joong Ki, too, wore a somber expression, his disapproval evident, but he nodded in reluctant agreement. 

"Business is business," he reiterated, his voice tinged with regret. 

The harsh truth of the corporate world dictated their actions, and while the decision pained him, he acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing the company's stability over personal relationships.

In that moment, the room was filled with an unspoken understanding - the acknowledgment that their paths had diverged, and the bonds that once united them were strained by the demands of their new roles. 

Despite the heaviness in their hearts, they knew they had to forge ahead, guided by the pragmatic realities of the business world, even if it meant sacrificing the connections they had once cherished.

Taehyung's voice, though laden with the weight of the situation, carried a note of gratitude as he turned to Joong Ki. 

"By the way, I never had the time to thank you, hyung," he said, his words genuine and heartfelt.

Joong Ki met Taehyung's gaze, his expression softening slightly at the unexpected acknowledgment. 

"It was the right thing to do," he replied, his tone humble. 

"We're in this together now, Taehyung"

In that moment, Joong Ki was not just an advisor but a guiding force, steering them through the complexities of the corporate world while urging them to face the reality of their newfound responsibilities.

Flash back 

Sung Ryung took a seat in Detective Seo's office at the police station, her fingers cracking in nervous anticipation. The room felt suffocating, the air thick with tension, as she prepared herself for the questioning that was about to begin.

Detective Seo, with his sharp gaze and no-nonsense demeanor, started asking questions, his tone neutral but probing. 

"When was the last time you met Hwang, and what was the last thing you discussed?" he inquired, his voice cutting through the silence of the room.

Sung Ryung hesitated for a moment, her mind racing to recall the details. She cleared her throat, trying to steady her voice. 

"I last met Hwang a few days ago," she began, her words careful. 

"I ..I asked him about My sister's murderer"

Detective Seo's gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes searching for any signs of deception. 

"Did he mention anything specific? Any conflicts or issues he was facing?" he pressed further, delving into the intricacies of their conversation.

Sung Ryung racked her brain, trying to remember every detail. 

"He did mention that "They" know I am after the truth and that I need to be careful, but he didn't go into specifics," she replied, her voice faltering slightly under the pressure of the interrogation.

"Who are they?"

" I am not sure! I suppose the people who paid him to cover for the murder of my sister"

The detective continued his questioning, each query digging deeper into the nature of her relationship with Hwang and the events leading up to his death. 

Sung Ryung tried her best to answer truthfully, but the fear of the unknown hung heavily over her, casting a shadow on her every word. 

"Hwang is dead" Detective Seo's words hung heavy in the air, sinking into Sung Ryung's heart like a stone.

Sung Ryung felt her breath catch in her throat, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. The room seemed to spin around her as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what she had just heard. The mention of a letter addressed to her only deepened her confusion, her mind racing with a mix of emotions.

"We found these documents in his house," he said, sliding a folder across the desk toward her. Trembling hands reached out to grasp the documents, and Sung Ryung's eyes scanned the contents of the folder.

As she read the letter, her heart clenched with a sudden wave of sorrow and regret. Hwang's words were etched onto the paper as the truth of her sister's accident and the involvement of the Jeon family crashing down upon her.

Alongside the letter, she found contracts and agreements, pieces of a puzzle that seemed to connect her sister's tragedy to a web of secrets and deception. 

Sung Ryung's hands trembled as she examined the documents, her mind racing with the implications of what she held.